Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has hinted that toll roads could be introduced in Northern Ireland.

The Sinn Fein MLA said he was willing to consider the measure, to pay for new roads, as well as other alternatives to address projects his department hopes to deliver. Roads projects across Europe have been funded through the introduction of tolls. In the Republic of Ireland motorists can travel the length of the country on one continuous motorway, provided they pay the toll.

A Department for Infrastructure spokeswoman told the BBC Stephen Nolan show: “The minister has made clear his willingness to consider alternative possibilities to enable him to address his capital priorities.

"He will be discussing how best to meet these with the Finance Minister and the Executive in the coming days in the context of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this week.”